Daily Soccer Fix: FanPosts

A Look Into the US U-17 National Team

2011-12-01T02:27:26Z

The U-17 team resides in Brandenton, Fl. at the IMG Training Academy. The system used at IMG is similar to the youth academies of Europe, where students receive an education at the local school while intensively practicing soccer. It was founded in 1999, and out of the 300 players who have attended, about 100 have gone professionally into MLS or Europe. Union youth product Zach Pfeffer has spent a semester in residence, as well as Kyle Nakazawa, Amobi Okugo, various other players on the Union and coach John Hackworth. (This was originally written for The Brotherly Game)

Currently, Fox Soccer Channel is showing a series of friendly matches known as the Nike U-17 International Friendlies. This is the US's ninth game in the series against France. It is their second time facing this French youth side, having lost 3-0 in the initial match. After the jump, some notes regarding the first half of the USA vs. France game.

At the end of the first half the score was 1-1. For the first 15 minutes, the French looked the dominant team maintaining the majority of possession but created few chances. Meanwhile, the US team looked frantic and created only one decent opportunity. After that point, something changed in the US side as they began to string together better passing sequences and created a number of offensive chances as they began to put more pressure on the French back four.

The US then claimed the opening goal in the 24th minute with a beautiful right-footed curling strike from the right side by #11 DeAndre Robinson. After that, the French side seemed really shocked and began to fall apart. #9 Wesley Wade also took advantage of the French defense backing off and delivered a powerful shot that beat the keeper but shook the crossbar with a loud clang. The game continued like this until about the 40 minute or so, when the US became lackadaisical and slowly lost their shape.

France proceeded to equalize when French striker Michele Araai took advantage of poor US defense on a 3-on-4 counter attack. The first half ended and then I had to depart for jazz rehearsal.

US Players to watch:

Paul Christensen- A Seattle Sounders youth member Paul had an good first half making a few easy saves but more importantly showed good decision making and distribution. A number of times on set pieces or crosses he made the right decision to come out and punch the ball away when it was necessary. He also showed varied distribution at times handing the ball off to the defenders and allowing them to build from the back and others making the long boot to the midfielders and forwards. While he did allow one goal even professional goalies have tough times in one-on-one situations so I'll give him a be on that. According to a coach that joined the broadcasters at half time, he also has been playing very consistently and well for the US youth national teams he has been on in an unprecedented manner.

Herber Mejia-Flores-The playmaker of the team, almost every significant attack began with a dangerous pass. I did not notice him significantly on the defensive side on the ball but he showed great vision, passing, and most importantly understanding. He knew when to play a through ball and when to place the ball at the forwards feet. When to play a high cross and when to play a low one. He knew when to continue an attack and when to make sure his team regained possession. He did get knocked around a bit by the French but the away side were physically larger than the majority of the players on the US side.

The Captain and Sidekick- I cannot recall the captain's name but he and his center back partner were dominant for the US throughout. Breaking up French attacks as well as making up for the mistakes for the weaker fullbacks who were lost by the speed of the French players. Similarly to Christensen he made smart passing decisions when building from the back. He in around the 18th minute he also made a very professional foul. In a French counter attack (thanks to a poor pass from a fullback) the French clearly had the advantage but he fouled a French player and allowed his teammate to clear the ball out of danger. He received a yellow card for his play but considering it would have almost certainly resulted in a goal because of the numbers favoring France I applaud the player for his instinct.

MLS Cup Head to Head Breakdown

2011-11-16T03:57:30Z

I am sure plenty of you will be familiar with the format used in this post. It is a breakdown that MLSSoccer.com often does for big games, and I thought I would make one today. I did it somewhat quickly, so excuse me if I have any small mistakes, and please let me know if anything needs to be changed. Tell me what you think will happen!

The L.A. Galaxy have two of the league’s best goalkeepers in their arsenal. Reining ‘keeper of the year, Donovan Ricketts, will most likely sit this one out, as Josh Saunders has been the #1 choice for the Galaxy in recent weeks. Saunders has proven time and again that he deserves this position. After sitting on the bench for years in L.A., he finally got his chance to prove himself this year when Ricketts suffered a fractured arm. Saunders delighted the fans, and shattered expectations, allowing the fewest goals per game of any shot stopper in the league.	Goalkeeping	2011 has been a truly remarkable season for Tally Hall. After backstopping Houston to a second-place Eastern Conference finish, some would say he was the best ‘keeper of the playoffs, allowing just one goal in their three games. On the way he has made some of the most spectacular saves seen around MLS, and it came as a surprise to some that he was not nominated for the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award. The only question is will he be able to stop world class players like Keane, Donovan, Junhino, and Beckham?
The 2011 L.A. Galaxy has allowed fewer goals than any other team this season. While some of this success must be credited to the skill of their midfield and the Ricketts-Saunders (and even Perk!) goalkeeping combo, the backline steals the show. With the experience of Gregg Berhalter, and the youth of A.J. Delagarza, Sean Franklin, and Defender of the Year Omar Gonzalez, little can be done by attackers.	Defense	Houston doesn’t have the big names, small numbers defense the Galaxy has maintained throughout 2011. What they do have is a group of guys who have only allowed one goal in the playoffs and helped Houston to a nine game unbeaten streak, including a win in LA, where they only allowed one goal. Coming into the MLS Cup the Dynamo’s backline is hotter, but can they keep their cool under pressure?
LA has a simply unbelievable midfield. David Beckham has played for teams like Manchester United, and Real Madrid, as well as captaining the English national team. This may well be his final year in MLS, and he wants to go out with a trophy. Junhino has proved not only his skill on the ball, but also his incredible shots from distance. Captain Landon Donovan has been called the best American player that has ever lived. What else can you ask for?	Midfield	There is not a whole lot to be said here. Houston’s midfield is definitely a force to be reckoned with, nobody questions that. Unfortunately, MVP hopeful Brad Davis will watch this game from the bench. Without his skill, and beautiful set piece services, the Dynamo’s central third will have to fight harder. Without Davis will they be able to overcome the most star-studded midfield in MLS? Can they stop the Galaxy’s threatening counter attack? We will have to wait until Sunday for the answer.
When 2011 began, the LA Galaxy were having trouble scoring. JPA didn’t cut it, and they had no other experienced striker. By the playoffs, however, the midfield has stepped up, along with fan-favorite Mike Magee, and the addition of Ireland’s Robbie Kean has gone a long way towards giving LA some serious fire power.	Forwards	Brian Ching is well past his prime, and missing out on last year’s World Cup seems to have had a negative effect on him. While still a striking force up top, and a good set-piece target, he does not have the skill he once possessed. The Dynamo have depth up top, but does not have any single striker on par with the world class abilities of their opposition.
While many believe Bruce Arena did not deserve the 2011 Coach of the Year title, there is a reason he won it. He has experience, coaching DC United to the first ever MLS Cup, and has won Coach of the Year three times in his career, more than any other coach. Oh, and one more thing for the resume… He coached the US National Team.	Coach	Dominic Kinnear has done wonders for Houston. With the regime change in the national team camp, his name came up multiple times for an assistant coach position, and there is a reason for it. However, there is also a reason he was never offered that position. He is not one of the elite MLS coaches, and is not very close to being one.
The 2011 LA Galaxy have become the second best MLS team ever in the leagues short history, and all they have left to do is win their second MLS Cup. All that stands in their way is a underdog Houston Dynamo, missing their best player. Add on to that the home field advantage, where the Galaxy has been unbeaten all year, and you have what seems an easy prediction.	Overall	In recent years, the underdogs have seen great success in the MLS Cup. Last year is was the 7th seed Colorado, and in 2009 of course, the 8th seeded Real Salt Lake beat none other than the LA Galaxy in the final. The Dynamo are riding a hot streak into this matchup, and have not lost since early September, one of those wins coming against LA. This game is going to be much closer than even this breakdown makes is appear.

FINAL SCORE: LA Galaxy 1-0 Houstan Dynamo

The Galaxy are a much better team but Houston is on a roll, and their defense will keep the game close.

Note: I am not trying to support the idea that LA are the clear winners. Although I put them ahead in every catergory besides one, Houston were close behind in almost every catergory. Houston does have a real good shot at winning this.

Poll

Who will win MLS Cup 2011?

Houston Dynamo

1 votes

L.A. Galaxy

4 votes

5 votes | Poll has closed

DC United moving to Baltimore?

2011-11-02T13:34:40Z

Maybe not quite yet but if you read between the lines then a move may be imminent.

According to the Washington Post article, Major League Soccer is attempting to gauge fan interest about a team in Baltimore. While the article does state through either expansion or relocation, when you read between the lines it is pretty clear they are taking about DC United.

The survey at the end lists teams with soccer specific stadiums, 3 of which had their stadiums just built in the last 2 years. DC United is pretty much the only viable relocation candidate.

Now there remains the possiblity that this whole thing may be a ploy on Major League Soccer's behalf to get negotiations rolling on a new stadium for the United. After all, you don't have to be a DC resident to know that RFK is not a suitable home for them and that they have been trying unsuccessfully for years to get a soccer specific stadium.

If that is the case then this would be reminiscent of the New England Patriots' proposed move to Hartford a few years ago before Gillette Stadium was built.

Since the low point for the league when they had to fold the Florida franchises a decade ago, the league has achieved a lot of growth. It is more popular than ever, the level of play is the best it has ever been despite multiple expansions, and the new franchises have generated tremendous fan interest in their regions.

However, allowing DC United, the league's most storied franchise (in its short history), to leave the DC area would be a tremendous mistake.

Poll

If a negotiations to build a soccer specific stadium in the Washington area continue to stall, what should DC United do?

Stay put in RFK (50 years old, capacity ~46,000)

4 votes

Move to Baltimore (into a new soccer specific stadium)

11 votes

Play home games in FedEx Field (capacity ~80,000)

2 votes

Play home games at UMD's Byrd Field (capacity ~60,000)

6 votes

23 votes | Poll has closed

NSC Minnesota Stars

2011-10-30T01:40:55Z

2011 NASL Champions

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We're being robbed of the perfect MLS season finale

2011-10-18T18:31:59Z

Baseball stole soccer's birthright this summer. Remember when on the last day of the major league baseball season, the Rays and the Red Sox finished their games within minutes of each other, with postseason outcomes shifting rapidly? Fans were ecstatic that once-in-a-lifetime events had made for such a thrilling synchronized end to the season. Very few mentioned that the same sorts of thing happen every year in almost every first tier soccer league worldwide. In Europe and many other places, it is a given that all final-day league games kick off concurrently, adding extra thrill to races, and avoiding added advantage to late starters.

Going into this weekend, only 5 teams are already eliminated from the playoffs, and only 2 playoff teams are completely locked into their current seed. That has led to 7 games this week week that make a difference to one or both teams' playoff seeding. At least, that would be the case if all the games were synchronized. As it is, multiple Sat and Sun are likely to be far less meaningful after Thursday's Red Bulls vs Union match. On the flip side, by the time LA and Houston play Sunday, the Dynamo will have a clear indication of what a win draw or tie will mean to them; an advantage that no other club will have. Now, I'm not usually a Eurosnob that says MLS should follow every cross-Atlantic example, but in this case the old way looks like the best way. When Houston, NY, Portland, DC, and Chicago all have a chance at the last playoff spot, they should be playing at the same time.

So, why doesn't MLS play all final games at the same time? Obstacles include:

- Four time zones. Teams have certain times of day that they see as the ideal window for ticket sales. So they wouldn't want East hosts to have a cushy 7:00 kickoff, while those on the West coast have to start at 4:00.

- Three TV network contracts. So far, ESPN, FSC, and Telefutura have leaned toward have a certain day of the week that is theirs for MLS.

- Odd number of teams. Next year Montreal joins, and it seems the league will have 19 clubs until an NY2 ownership group gets its act together.

I've come up with a couple approaches that should mitigate those concerns (after the jump).

Option 1: Flex scheduling. Let the networks pick the juiciest matchups during the closing month or so, with the condition that every game with playoff implications on the final day get national, synchronized coverage. If ESPN needs to also have something that Thursday night, they can show a meaningless game like Seattle vs. Chivas. When the league is unbalanced, they could also shift the schedule so that a likely bad club get the last bye week. Base it on worst record or goal differential from the previous year. Or an expansion team.

Option 2: Alternate excluding clubs from hosting that are in the West or East time zones. just have the Central and Mountain clubs host with either the West or the East hosting the rest of the games.

Compromise: All games must be intra-conference, with West games kicking off one hour after East hosts. If everything else is too complex, just make sure clubs are playing at the same time as all of their conference foes. There would still be wildcard weirdness, but everyone could get close to a close-to-ideal timeslot.

All in all, a synchronized (or at least mostly synchronized) final day would be more exciting for fans, and thus more profitable for clubs, sponsors, and networks. What do you think?

Sooo...did you get FIFA 12 yet?

2011-09-28T04:11:16Z

My first love is football! I'm a die hard Cleveland native and love my Browns to death. So of course I was a happy camper on my birthday when I got the Madden 12 edition with our beloved RB Peyton Hillis on the cover. Being able to play--and loose badly--to anyone in the world is truly amazing.

But I wanted something else.

You see I wouldn't have come to love the beautiful game without the help of the FIFA PS3/X-BOX games. The more I play it, the more I appreciate the tech guys and gals who put together a wonderful game. The 12 is no exception and I made it very clear I'd get it at the nearest Game Stop by hook or by crook.

If you haven't played this years FIFA 12 game trust me this is as interactive as it gets. From managing the team to going head to head with a whole team of players or one on one with one player. This alone is making me realize that a man my age (46) will need to read up and try and play better than my younger counterparts if I'm going to have a chance at this game.

Our first MLS game: Crew vs. Toronto FC

2011-09-12T01:27:03Z

So my daughter and I finally get to see a live professional soccer team and we both are hooked!! Drove all the way from Dayton, Ohio to see the Columbus Crew play against Toronto FC in the Trillium Cup. All I can say is we were both left with little voice, but lots of stories and good times to share with others. I'm telling you if you have had the chance to see a match of MLS you got to. Tickets were very affordable ($28 a pop for lower seats) and not a bad seat in the whole building.

I was at Crew stadium before, but for a concert venue when the Dave Mathews Band played to a packed house a few years ago. Our seats for the concert was near the stage area in the penalty box in front of the goal. I marvel over the fact they can change the field for a concert venue so fast.

All I can tell you is WOW! The supporters for the Crew are incredible and if they were loud and slamming I can only imagine club supporters for Seattle, KC or LA are like at their venues.

Although the Crew lost to Toronto for the first time since the Trillium Cup was bed 2-4 the entire experience is something we want to bring out friends and family to so they can experience what a soccer match is like. I want to share pictures on here, and I hope to do so, but for the time being I just want to let you know we're converted! Our resistance earlier was futile; just enjoy the game!

MLS hits the big time with new TV deal

2011-08-11T13:45:47Z

Nearly lost in the hubbub surrounding Jurgen Klinsmann's debut in the friendly against Mexico was an announcement that may have as much of an impact on the influence of soccer in this country as the selection of the national team coach. MLS and NBC Sports have announced that they've reached a deal to televise some 43 MLS matches, including three playoff games, as well as four contests featuring the national team, over the next two seasons.

This deal, which replaces the current relationship with Fox Soccer Channel set to end in 2011, will just about double the number of homes receiveing the broadcasts, even though the lion's share of the matches will be broadcast on the new NBC Sports Network, currently known as Versus.

This story has been covered on multiple platforms (links below) but I just wanted to highlight a few things about the deal.

First of all, just as an example, Versus is currently channel 25 on my cable lineup (admittedly, I have comcast, which owns the network,) while Fox Soccer Channel is channel 727, and requires buying a special sports package. Even if i ditch all the upper tiers of my cable package, I still get the new NBC Sports channel with basic service. I know its not like that everywhere, for instance in my old neighborhood, where we had Cablevision, Versus was one of the higher channels and FSC was included in the first tier packages. But based on what I've read, my current situation seems to be more common.

While Fox has certainly made strides in their production values and in their pre- and postgame shows, one would think that NBC would start from a higher baseline. The quality of their hockey telecasts has been impressive, and no one at Fox Sports has the cachet of NBC sports personalities like Bob Costas or Bryant Gumbel. Obviously no announcement has been made as to the lineup for any studio shows or broadcasts yet, but the association of the sport with mainstream presenters like this means not only increased exposure but also respect and credibility for the still-growing league.

If a deal like this turns out to be a success for both parties, it will mean increased revenues as well, as it will increase the amount of money the league can demand for its product. This could in turn help to remove or alleviate the financial strictures, which while necessary to keep the fledgling league from overextending itself, will ultimately keep it from rising to the top echelon of worldwide soccer.

Also of note were two comments from the MLS Commissioner. Garber pointed out that this offer was not solicited by the league, but was NBC's idea. He also remarked on NBC's history of promoting its partners, and mentioned that as one of the factors that led the league to make a deal with them.

I think that the impact of the espn deal signed a few years ago has been huge. Even though espn doesn't exactly pull out all the stops for MLS, they have built a pretty good soccer broadcast team there. I would love it if there was some dedicated show, like NFL live, or NASCAR now, even if it was only a weekly recap, but i guess we can't have it all, and their coverage of the national team has been better than I would have hoped.

As important as the espn exposure has been, I think this NBC deal has the potential to be even bigger. It will raise the level of exposure as well as the level of respectability of the league. This comes at the perfect time, as more and more teams add international players as DPs, generating more interest. It can also create more competition for future contracts and increase the financial viability of the league.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/08/10/MLS.NBC.ap/index.html?sct=sc_t2_a5

http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/6850055/mls-games-air-nbc-networks-starting-2012

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/08/10/nbcs-wide-reach-makes-new-mls-deal-olympic-feat

Women's Pro Soccer Updates

2011-08-08T23:13:08Z

Some news on the WPS...

- California based investors are among many investors around the country that have had a "positive" conversation regarding expansion teams sources have told me.

- The Vancouver Whitecaps' women's team will NOT be heading to the WPS next season as they will stay in the W-League. League sources have told me this.

- The Boston Breakers are looking to sell part of the team. Rumor is that 55% is up for sale if a good investor comes around.

News come from my WPS blog... wpsworld.webs.com

Fans need outlet "BLOG" to discuss MLS Ref unprofessionalism

2011-07-24T20:49:29Z

After watching the Rapids v. Revolution in person last night, I was surprised at the lack of professionalism of the head referee. This guy must have received his MLS Ref license at Walmart? He was horrible and his mistake(s) changed the outcome of the game. He should have been ran off the field. My comment from the stands was, "bend over and use your good eye!" He was horrible. Is there an official site fans can go to to voice their displeasure or pleasure regarding MLS refs?

Mixed XI's anyone?

2011-07-20T16:56:30Z

During the Women's World Cup, my wife asked me what a US National Team men vs women game would look like. As gently as I could muster I stated that size, speed and agility deficits would be way too much for ladies to overcome. She replied, "OK, but what about if they jumbled up the teams?" Sounds ridiculous, right?

The more I think about this seemingly preposterous idea, the more I realize that if I were flipping channels and came across it, I'd be immediately hooked. And imagine the soccer eugenics if a couple of the single players hooked up.

Don't get me wrong, I can't imagine this actually happening as a formal friendly. Fun to think about, though. Also, if there's ever a pickup game at a collective US Soccer event, I hope someone at least puts together a highlight reel.

If it were to happen, how would you setup the teams? Captains (Howard/Rampone vs Solo/Bocanegra) pick teams? Left/Right split so Rapino runs at Krieger while Dempsey runs at Lichaj? Singles vs 'Spoken-For's?

Also, what do you think the men could learn from their counter-parts and vice-versa?

American Attitude.

2011-07-14T18:44:55Z

What's been keeping the United States Women's National team so almost, unstoppable this whole world cup? The answer is, the American Attitude.

July 10th, 2011. Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. Dresden, Germany. Two teams, battling it out to go on to the semi-finals. Both teams have so much to prove. Is this sport really a women's sport too? Second minute of the game, the United States are on the board first with an own goal by Brazil's Daiane. One could only imagine the electrifying vibe going through the stadium. Fans at home watching were feeling that this game is ours. No pressure. One thing to remember? Pressure makes the United States Women's National Team. You'd think that with that goal, there would be a goal fest happening the whole game. Well, think again.

The second goal in this fast paced, sudden break away game doesn't happen until the 68th minute. Rachel Buehler is handed a red card in the 65th, resulting in a penalty kick for Brazil. Marta goes up for the kick and Hop Solo shows up with a fantastic save, only to hear the whistle in what some might call a controversial decsion, and a yellow card. The penalty kick must happen again. This time, Marta nails it and the Brazilians get an equalizer.

For the rest of this game, the Americans are playing a man, well women down and this is the beginning of an epic battle to the finish. For the Brazilians, the remainder of this game is a perfect chance to run up the score and show what they came to do. Win.

Both teams now, are giving it their all. Trying to get on top of the opponent, and advance to the semis. They play a full 90, and the score is still tied. Thirty more minutes of extra time is getting ready to be played, and if no one scores, penalty kicks will decide the fate of the game.

During the first half of extra time, Marta scores a beautiful golazo. Pressure makes the United States right? No worries. We go on to the second half of extra time. Nothing from the USA. Is it over? Everything they've worked for? The dreams of winning again, crushed?

This is when the American attitude comes into play. Injury time. This is the moment to show their country, girls do kick butt. This moment is frantic. Without and equalizer, the USA's time is over. They're in injury time. Brazil is still in the like to advance. Then, in the dying seconds of stoppage time, Megan Rapinoe kicks a marvelous cross into the box, the perfect spot for Abby Wambach to get the second, and final equalizer.

If that's not dramatic then, I don't know what is. America isn't out of the blue yet. Penalty kicks will decide the fate of both teams. First two kicks by both teams go in. On the third penalty kick, Abby Wambach easily finds the back of the net. Then, Hope Solo does the outstanding. Saves the third kick by Brazil's Daiane, the same women who created the own goal. Something ironic? 12 years ago to that date, Briana Scurry and the '99 dream team won the world cup, by penalty kicks and Briana saved the third goal. Megan Rapinoe find the net for the fourth goal, along with Brazil's Francielle. If Allie Kreiger can make the last kick, the Americans will advance. All the pressure is on her, and she potentially is the game changer.

She backs up, takes a few steps forward, and GOAL! The Americans have just advaced past the Brazilians. After the electrifying match, Pia Sunhadge gets interviewed. She goes on to speak about this American attitude.

Well, what is the american attitude though? Never giving up when all odds are against you? Proving yourself as champions and getting almost all of America on board with soccer? All of that. I'm not saying that if the Americans go on to win it, this whole country will fall in love with soccer, because it won't. Most of the United States just hopped on the American bandwagon and probably won't come back until the next world cup. There are a few though, that this world cup has made them fall in love with the beautiful game. The American attitude is awe inspiring, powerful, electrifying, fierce and most of all, unifying.

UEFA EURO 2012: The countdown begins

2011-06-09T01:48:02Z

1 year, 0 months, 0 weeks, 0 days. Exactly one year from today, on Friday, June 8, 2012, at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland, UEFA EURO 2012 will officially begin with Poland playing a team to be decided in the opening match. The 16-team tournament will conclude on Sunday, July 1, 2012, at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine, with the Final match. On April 18, 2007, in Cardiff, Wales, Poland and Ukraine were surprisingly chosen as hosts of the European Championship. The soccer delegacies from both nations leapt in joy in a historic moment at the announcement ceremony. Neither country has ever organized a major sports tournament of such caliber as the European Football Championship.

The opening ceremony will be held before kickoff to the first match in Poland’s capital. The closing ceremony is scheduled before the first whistle for the Final. For Poland, this tournament carries an important meaning economically and athletically. The eventual revenue generated from such a big tourney—stadium tickets, hotels, airfare, tourism, etc.—will be humungous. The Polish nation will be swarmed with a mass influx of over tens of millions of dollars. Also, because of the partnership with Ukraine, political ties between the two nations will strengthen. The only possible— but severe—downer to Euro 2012 may be the national team disgracing the country. Poland’s national team is playing very poorly. At next year’s big tournament, the team will have the spotlight on the big stage. Poland has lately been a team that does not like the spotlight or mounting pre-tournament pressure, as evidenced by two first round World Cup exits and an early exit from the last European Championship. In 2012 the same is likely to happen again, as Poland will face European opposition that may turn out too tough to overcome. This is shameful and nothing reminiscent of the glory days in Polish football dating back to the 1970s. Poland’s only hope for Euro 2012 may be to try and clone players from the 1974 World Cup roster, which was responsible for taking third place.

The Ukrainian national team is in a similar situation as the Poles—weak playing. Although Ukraine made it to the quarterfinals of World Cup 2006 (where it lost to eventual champion Italy) it has not been to any other major tournament before or since. Its key playmaker from that tournament, the phenomenal Andriy Shevchenko, has announced that he will hang up his boots following Euro 2012. Hmm, perhaps that will serve as extra motivation for the 34-year-old to play even better than at Germany 2006. Certainly, regardless of how well Sheva performs, he will need to be aided by his teammates, especially Voronin and Tymoshchuk. With a lucky draw on December 2nd, Ukraine may have a decent chance of emerging from the group phase and advancing to the quarters. Same goes for Poland too, of course, and even especially….

The Polish-Ukrainian tournament will be artistic and colorful thanks to its mascots. Slavek and Slavko were named as official Euro 2012 mascots six months ago in Kiev following the result of a poll of almost 40,000 people. The Polish mascot—Slavek—wears a white jersey numbered 20 with red outline. His Ukrainian twin—Slavko—wears a light blue-colored jersey with yellow trim that is numbered 12. The numbers 20 & 12 combined together make 2012. Slavek and Slavko are two versions of the same name. The two brothers have spiked hair and are about the same height. These young brothers, who can play football very well, were introduced as part of special presentations before the Poland-Ivory Coast and Switzerland-Ukraine international friendly matches, both on November 17, 2010.

Two months ago we found out that there was an enormous demand for UEFA Euro 2012 tickets, as 12,149,425 requests were made by fans around the world. This total is an all-time record for the European Football Championship. It is also an increase of over 17% from Euro 2008. Maybe Euro 2012 is shaping up to be the best European Championship ever?!

Since Michel Platini’s big announcement, there have been readiness concerns as to whether Poland and its eastern neighbor can finish all construction in time for the huge event. Markian Lubkivskiy, Ukraine tournament director, recently stated, "Our main enemy is time but I’m sure we’ll manage," adding "The tournament is not in any danger." Let’s hope that he’s right about the latter, because with so many fans putting in ticket requests, it shows a worldwide interest in the tourney and also signifies that people want to visit Poland and Ukraine for the elegance of those nations.

Fans are optimistic that everything will run smoothly from this point onward. As the clock ticks away, Euro 2012 will be getting ever so closer. With that said, let’s hope that the hosts can make it in time and stage an unforgettable tournament. The world awaits….

Statement Regarding 1906 Ultras Protest

2011-04-10T23:40:47Z

1906 Ultras Statement Regarding Protest

We are protesting the unjust probation that the Earthquakes front office have imposed on our group as punishment for our Tifo (overhead banner) at the Seattle home game on April 2nd. We will not stand for the front office’s unwarranted attempt at censorship. Three days after the Seattle game, Ultras leaders received an e-mail from the Earthquakes front office notifying us that a Seattle supporter complained about the tifo on Twitter, and that the Earthquakes front office agreed that the tifo was vulgar, a violation of the fan code of conduct, poorly represented the club, and that as a result the Ultras were being punished by being placed on probation.

The tifo at the Seattle game was in no way vulgar or obscene, and in no way violates the fan code of conduct. There was no nudity, no sexual acts, and no profanity. The tifo was merely an irreverent take on Charlie Sheen, something which the Earthquakes front office itself has indulged in (see their youtube video from a few weeks ago). If the tifo was so obscene and such a violation of the code of conduct, why did no Earthquakes staff member ask us to take it down, or complain to us during or after the game? Why did not a single Earthquakes fan complain about the tifo? Why did the front office not say anything to us for three full days? For the Earthquakes front office to now come forward and suggest the tifo was obscene is extremely insulting to the Ultras artists who spent countless hours of their free time making it. Our protest will continue until the unjust probation is lifted.

Sincerely,

1906 ultras leadership

Okay, this will be my first year to follow MLS! (I promise)

2011-03-16T02:54:29Z

Okay, so I am still watching Premiere League as much as I can; I'm also watching UEFA league and FA Cup action as well. I like the matches, enjoy the Derby (had to look that one up), knowing the players a little better, and enjoying the play from the each of the top flight team. So if a Yank like me can follow English football I think I can get closer to home and keep up with a season of MLS soccer this year. The hard part is getting to know the teams, the players, and the play.

Many of you on this board have been watching MLS longer than I have; I've only started to watch full 90 minutes or more of soccer in the past two years. But my country's own offering of soccer matches is something I haven't really tuned into this moment. So I need help!! I want to be a fan...I need to be a fan...heck, even as I'm writing this I'm DVR the Sounder/Galaxy match. See, that makes me a fan, eh?

My question is what is the best way to watch MLS and get into the whole community of MLS fans throughout the nation. Heck, if my fellow hometown great Drew Carry can get into soccer I think anyone can.

(Dayton, Ohio--by way of Cleveland)